Regional Justice Center - Kent
About the facility
The King County Regional Justice Center (RJC) is a direct supervision jail located at 620 West James Street in Kent, Washington. The RJC opened its doors on March 24, 1997 and currently employs over 300 correctional staff.
TO TOPDirections, Contacts
King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention
Regional Justice Center - RJC Kent map (external link)
620 West James Street
Kent, WA 98032
(206) 296-1234From downtown Seattle to the Regional Justice Center:
Take I-5 Southbound to the Kent/Des Moines exit, turning left off the exit and proceeding down the hill into Kent. You will be on Highway 516. Stay on Highway 516 to Fourth Avenue. Turn left on Fourth Avenue and proceed about one mile to James Street. Turn left on James Street. Take the next left and enter the parking garage.From Highway 167 to the Regional Justice Center:
Take the Willis Street exit and proceed east to Fourth Avenue. Turn left on Fourth Avenue, and proceed about one mile to James Street. Turn left on James Street. Take the next left and enter the parking garage.
Inmate Program Opportunities
Programs offered at the Regional Justice Center-Detention Facility place emphasis on involving the community during the offender’s incarceration period, in a secure and safe fashion, in order to facilitate a more successful transition from custody to community re-entry. Some of the programs we offer are:
- Volunteer Community-Based Organizations: Groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and the religious services (Christian and non-Christian) community provide weekly programs for the inmate population. These activities occur in either group and/or individual settings.
The Incarcerated Veterans Program: The goal of this program is to improve the success rate of incarcerated veterans upon release from jail by addressing the needs of veterans. Some of the services which are offered include assessment and referral for substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, transitional housing assistance, job referral and placement services.
New Connections of South King County: Individuals are assisted with release planning strategies. They are provided with resource information and receive support in areas such as: driver’s license reinstatement assistance, substance abuse referrals/evaluations, domestic violence referrals for treatment, and child support issues.
Educational Programs: Individuals 20 years of age and younger can participate in the Juvenile Education Program through the Kent School District. They may participate in a group setting or received individualized instruction. For those individuals that do not meet the criteria for the Juvenile Education Program, they are able to participate in the Adult Basic Education/GED Program through Renton Technical College. GED testing is available on site.
Vocational Training: Renton Technical College offers a 10-week Custodial Training Program four times per year. At the end of each 10-week session, students receive a certificate of completion from the college. Participants gain knowledge and experience with different techniques to perform basic facility cleaning and proper use of equipment. They are assisted with job referrals and resource information.
Children’s Book Reading and Recording Program: The King County Library System sponsors a reading program for purposes of introducing to parents the concept of early literacy and the six skills necessary for school success. It is an excellent opportunity for parents to be introduced to the concept that reading aloud with young children contributes to school readiness and is a wonderful way to develop parent/child bonds. Parents select books to read and record for their children. The tape and book are then mailed out to the children. This is also an excellent way to keep parents and children connected during the incarceration period.
- Creative Expression and Recreation: While in custody individuals can participant in programs that allow physical exercise and\or creative expression. These activities include:
- Stress Reduction and Relaxation
- Arts and Crafts
- Artwork/Drawing
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Services located in the vicinity of the Regional Justice Center
Adjacent to the Regional Justice Center in the South King County Courthouse are:
- King County Superior and District Courts,
- The King County Sheriff's Office,
- The Licensing Office offers marriage and pet licenses, property tax payments and passport applications
- The Office of the King County Prosecuting Attorney.
- A licensed day car center for use while parents appear in court.
- A family law center.
TO TOPInterested in volunteering?
Over 300 community volunteers provide religious services, counseling, alcohol and drug treatment, anger management skills, and support upon release for inmates. To volunteer, call MaryAnn Morbley at (206) 205-2224.
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